Center for Economic Development

Specialties

Community Workshops, Conferences and Events

The CED disseminates economic development and planning information, skills and expertise by hosting events, workshops and conferences throughout Northern California. Current examples of these events include:

Annual Economic Forecast Conference, Growing Your Business Technology Made Simple, and Boost Your Business in 2013

Community Research and Analysis

The Center for Economic Development provides critical community research and analysis services.

Annual County Profile Series

Applied Research Projects

The CED conducts contract studies for Federal and State government agencies, Economic Development Districts, local organizations or private entities.

Technical Assistance

Business Support Services

Community Development and Facilitation

History

Established in 1986.

The Center for Economic Development (CED) was founded in September 1986. Its purpose is to act as a lens to focus the resources of California State University, Chico and other institutions of higher education onto the issues and problems facing the communities of California.

The Center’s founder, Dr. John Sanzone, understood the need for targeted technical assistance, particularly in Northern California, and this theme is continued under the current direction of Dan Ripke. The CED has also established partnerships with workforce development, STEM agencies (science, technology, engineering, & math), as well as green project coordinators.

Meet the Manager

Dan R.

Manager

Dan Ripke, a native of Northern California, holds a BS in international business, a BA in French, and master’s studies in business administration from California State University, Chico. He has worked for the Center for Economic Development and the Northeastern California Small Business Development Center since 1988, serving as director for the center’s 21-​county service region. In this capacity, he provides economic development and planning technical assistance to over 20 percent of the state of California. Dan is a member of the International Economic Development Council, the California Association for Local Economic Development, and the National Association of Development Organizations.